THE DEATH OF EMPEROR FREDERICK BARBAROSSA (AD 1190): PHYSIOPATHOLOGICAL AND PALAEOPATHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS ON A CASE OF FATAL DROWNING DURING THE 3rd CRUSADE

In this case report the stili unexplained death of the Mediaeval Emperor Frederick Barbarossa is examined from a biomedica! perspective using originai historical sources and contemporary medicai knowledge. Barbarossa's case a/so serves as an example and a wake-up callfor public health authorities on the danger represented by the public health problem of drowning, with particular reference to drowning in rivers and whirlpool-caused deaths.